After 32 years of attending, visiting, and helming many studio recordings, I've come to recognize the impact that guests dropping by can have on a session. In Tape Op #73 I described my take on 'Etiquette for the Studio Visitor?' But, in reality, whether one should have visitors during any recording scenario (whether while home recording, on a remote session, or in a studio) is the actual question that should be asked. What a visitor dropping by will bring to the table can potentially be either helpful or disruptive. What is confusing is that many of the most common disruptive visitations are completely unintentional.
It's hard for anyone that has never been on the performers' side of the recording equation to understand the focus needed, the vulnerability present, and the amount of time some of the work takes. The more that the visitor is respectful of the attention needed for the project, the more positive their appearance will be. Remember, a friend or loved one quickly dropping off some (probably much needed) food or refreshments can be a real positive for everyone.
